It's not really a good practice, I feel, to prop up your own ego by seeing yourself as superior to others.  Self-worth drawn from comparison just doesn't seem like something that is healthy.  But I think sometimes it can be healthy to come up against opposing viewpoints for the sole purpose of realizing that you so vehemently believe that they are wrong.  Sometimes it strengthens your convictions to be told something that you already know in your heart, beyond a doubt, is not right for you.